Historical romance novel The Highlander's Heart is the second novel in Amanda Forrester's promising Highlander series. Having yet to read The Highlander's Sword (published by Sourcebooks Inc. in March 2010), I can't compare the two books, but I can say, I am anxious to get my hands on more of this author's work. Full of action, the sweetest kind of romance and a healthy dose of kilted men, The Highlander's Heart is certainly recommended to warm readers on cold winter days.
Highlanders in Kilts and English Ladies; a Romance Dream
One of the most popular choices for heroes in historical romance is a braw Highlander in a kilt. The wonder of these naturally heroic, yet barbaric, warriors is every romance lover's dream, and Amanda Forrester makes that dream a reality, well almost. If anyone is in need of a knight in flapping kilt, it would be the Lady Tynsdale. On the run from an erroneous husband, Lady Isabelle Tynsdale quite literally finds herself relying on the aide of Laird David Campbell, at the most inopportune moment; perfect plot for romance to bloom.
In the midst of impending war and uncertainty, Isabelle and David have to learn to trust one another and somehow ignore their blossoming feelings. The two characters were quite ingeniously created; their stubbornness, loyalty, pride, honor and compassion winning them to one another and to readers. They are both the sought to never give up, even when it comes to a battle of wills between the two of them.
The characters carried a lot of depth, even though their wasn't a whole lot of insight into their back story. Both protagonists seemed real and rose from the pages as living individuals, their personalities human, both in error and praise. They were people you could envision knowing – if you lived in 1355 that is.
Thoughts on the Historical Romance Novel
Their was a Christian aspect to The Highlander's Heart that I wasn't expecting, yet have no complaints about. The characters relied heavily on prayer and went through a sort of revival in their spiritual life that was quite beautiful to read about. As I have mentioned before, having not read any of Amanda Forrester's previous work, I am unsure whether this is a familiar aspect of her novels or just a detail added to this particular storyline.
The storyline was well written and though the readers will see the potential for a happy ending long before the characters, that makes the plot no less exciting. There is enough action, mystery and romance (of course) that The Highlander's Heart can be considered an easy read and highly entertaining. With their being so little to relate to today's world, the book is a wonderful example of escapist literature; the setting adequately detailed, the era perfectly captured and the romance expertly written.
About the Author
Amanda Forrester holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in Theology, but has finally followed her heart into romance novels with the Highlander series. The author is currently living in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children and three pets. The next book in her series, The Highland Spirit, will be released in March of 2012 from Sourcebooks Inc.
Source
- Forrester, Amanda, The Highlander's Heart, Sourcebooks Inc., November 2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-5304-1
Jessica Hastings - Jessica Hastings is a published author/poet, professional reviewer, and avid reader. Schooled in journalism and creative writing, she ...
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